TAM Too Expensive!!

[thatguywhojuggles]

I'm very frustrated. I've been wanting to go to TAM for years.

I know there's a scholarship. But I imagine there's much more deserving than me for it.

I just wish the rates were reasonable so an average Joe like me could come.

You shouldn't have to be wealthy to be a skeptic.

[Sc00ter]

If you're a JREF member $350 for all you get really isn't that bad for a conference this size.

[thatguywhojuggles]

If you're a JREF member $350 for all you get really isn't that bad for a conference this size.


For a guy who lives paycheck to paycheck, it is. Plus, that's not counting airline, hotel, food, etc.

[KingMerv00]

I know there's a scholarship. But I imagine there's much more deserving than me for it.

I've taken one before and you are certainly more deserving than me.

I just wish the rates were reasonable so an average Joe like me could come.

You shouldn't have to be wealthy to be a skeptic.

JREF needs as money and people are willing to pay. Can't blame them really.

[volatile]

The price is really pretty standard for conferences of that size; even on the low side. I organise a non-profit making 3 day conference for 500 people every year and just to break even the average ticket price is £150 ($250 or so). We don't even pay our speakers! For the range, quality and profile of the speakers at TAM, the price is a bargain, your finances notwithstanding.

I can't afford a Ferrari, but I wouldn't claim that makes them "too expensive". It just makes me "too broke to afford a Ferrari".

[thatguywhojuggles]

I've taken one before and you are certainly more deserving than me.

I'm skeptical of that claim! :P But maybe I should put my pride away and try and get one.

If nothing else, I want to come perform in the talent show.

gAERGjxxGAg

I'm the plump one in black.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAERGjxxGAg (not sure if that box is working)

[Wowbagger]

There are ways to save!

First of all: Apply for a scholarship. The worst that can happen is that you will be rejected. But, I doubt that will happen. You are most likely going to be worthy of it. (You don't need to book anything else until you are accepted.)

Second of all, you can save on the hotel by rooming with someone. (I, for one, don't have a roomate, yet, as I write this.)

So, that leaves the airfare and/or other methods of travel to get there. There are good deals to be discovered, if you dig into some of those discount travel sites they got on the Internet, these days. I wish I could be more specific, but that is beyond my area of expertise.

[Sc00ter]

For a guy who lives paycheck to paycheck, it is. Plus, that's not counting airline, hotel, food, etc.

I got a GREAT deal last year, this year I'll agree, not so good, but kayak.com for trending and knowing when to buy is fantastic. They're are usually deals to be had for vegas flights.

Hotel is fairly cheap, the 50% deals you can get rooms for around $45/night, and that's really good, especially for the rooms, they're very nice. Split that with one or more people and that gets the cost way down.

Some food is provided (Registraton includes access to the TAM Main Events as well as continental breakfast, Thursday evening reception, and buffet lunch on Friday and Saturday.) and there's fairly cheap eats to be had on site.

[Patricio Elicer]

I'm skeptical of that claim! :P But maybe I should put my pride away and try and get one.

If nothing else, I want to come perform in the talent show.

gAERGjxxGAg

I'm the plump one in black.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gAERGjxxGAg (not sure if that box is working)


Great show, ThatGuy!

IMO, no doubt it qualifies as a TAM talent show, and really talented.

Hope to see you in July.

[kittynh]

Oh PLEASE try to come! Honestly, the talent show needs you (trust me, look on the registration page, I'm the one next to paperskater...)

Please, especially if you have never been before...APPLY for the scholarship. Then for rooms. Heck there are lots of people that offer free room sharing, or half of a room that is "$45" a night is pretty cheap. Roomies are usualy very easy to find via the thread.

Airfare, well some people offer their extra ffmiles even.

You would be excellent in the talent show, meals are provided during the conference, cheap eats at South Point if you want that, avoid the strip....it can be really inexpensive.

Or as inexpensive as it can be. All you would need is the airfare and half a hotel room at the most. Just sitting around talking to WONDERFUL people in the bar (including many of the speakers) is FREE. No one minds if you sip a waterbottle, and people will probably insist on buying you a drink. It's very casual and friendly. If you say "hey I'm too broke to do that!" well so are a lot of other people and we just sit around being friendly and drinking water.

PLEASE apply for a scholarship. Honestly, mention your talent! Send the video... it would be such fun to have you there.

[xinit]

I'm very frustrated. I've been wanting to go to TAM for years.

I know there's a scholarship. But I imagine there's much more deserving than me for it.

I just wish the rates were reasonable so an average Joe like me could come.

You shouldn't have to be wealthy to be a skeptic.

I know TAM is our little secular Mecca, but there are more and more options that can be cheaper. Dragon*Con with its Skeptic Track in Atlanta, for example. Though hotel rooms there can be obscenely expensive compared to the rates in Vegas. A pass for that weekend runs about $100; maybe it's an better option?

[Steven Howard]

If you're a JREF member $350 for all you get really isn't that bad for a conference this size.

What are you comparing it to? I'm not trying to be argumentative here, because I don't have any idea what conferences "this size" normally cost. I don't go to conferences or conventions very often, but I don't think I've ever been to one that cost anywhere close to $350 a person. So it seems expensive to me, but I have a pretty limited basis for comparison. Or, given that it's in Las Vegas, maybe if you look at the combined hotel and conference membership price it might seem more reasonable.

[kittynh]

it's the food that adds to the cost so much. Most conferences don't include food. You have to use the hotel supplied food also. It's very nice as people get a break but don't have to go out and wait in long lines at the few hotel restaurants. You break for lunch, get lunch (which is buffet style) and get back to the speakers. There is usually also some sort of snack break with sodas and candybars and fruit. It's wonderful as you don't miss any speakers, and you can bring you snack in to the venue with you.

But food is a terrifice expense. This is well in line with a multi day conference with food provided. In fact it's cheap.

(My mom worked for OMNI hotels for years, so this is how I know about it)

[Sc00ter]

What are you comparing it to? I'm not trying to be argumentative here, because I don't have any idea what conferences "this size" normally cost. I don't go to conferences or conventions very often, but I don't think I've ever been to one that cost anywhere close to $350 a person. So it seems expensive to me, but I have a pretty limited basis for comparison. Or, given that it's in Las Vegas, maybe if you look at the combined hotel and conference membership price it might seem more reasonable.

I'm thinking of professional development conferences, mostly teaching ones, or ones related to the tech sector (my wife is a teacher, I work in IT). Anything multi-day with food gets into the same range. Of course, when it's like that the school district or company will pay.

[kittynh]

OK so I do hope to go to Dragoncon this year. Not much price wise for it. But getting a room at the hotel where it is .. impossible as it books up almost a year in advance. Then locally a room costs a LOT. Hey the hotels know it's Dragoncon. If you book where it is more cheap, you have transportation costs. Also, you can't hang late and do the social thing. Trust me, TAM at SouthPoint goes on all night as well as all day.

Looking at say $25 or less for a room per night and you just roll out of bed and go directly to the meeting, then stay up late talking with people and just take the elevator up to your room (and it's a big nice room, with 2 queen size beds... so a lot of people smoosh more than 2 people in a room, seriously, you willing to sleep on a floor you will stay free)... I think that it may even work out cheaper than Dragoncon depending on what kind of room you stay at.

[Wowbagger]

The Skeptic Track, and other science-related tracks at Dragon*Con can be seen as a "budget TAM", since many JREFers also go to that.

If you attend D*C, you also have the advantage of attending a very, very large Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention, if you get bored with the science and skepticism stuff.

The disadvantage is that most of the hotels are already sold out, for this year, and the remaining ones are either pricier and/or farther away. But, there is still some room left for 2011, I think. If you book fast!!

[ve2vfd]

I'm skeptical of that claim! :P But maybe I should put my pride away and try and get one.

If nothing else, I want to come perform in the talent show.

Darn! :jaw-dropp

You definitely should apply for a scholarship and you MUST be part of the talent show!

You are lucky you at least have a possibility of making it to TAM, for me it's a total impossibility as it falls right in the busiest season at work and there is no way I can get any vacation time. :(

Pat

[thatguywhojuggles]

Thanks for all the responses! I'll look into the scholarship and see if there's a way I can get out there.

[xinit]

so a lot of people smoosh more than 2 people in a room, seriously, you willing to sleep on a floor you will stay free)... I think that it may even work out cheaper than Dragoncon depending on what kind of room you stay at.

Yeah, I have a double booked at the Skeptic Track Hotel; makes the commute manageable. My wife and I share with another couple and one or two people who can deal with floor space. We're not there to hang out in the hotel room, between events and our table in the dealer hall.

[Steven Howard]

I'm thinking of professional development conferences, mostly teaching ones, or ones related to the tech sector (my wife is a teacher, I work in IT). Anything multi-day with food gets into the same range. Of course, when it's like that the school district or company will pay.

Okay. I'm not sure those are really comparable events, though. I was thinking more of the kind of thing that people go to on their own dime, for fun.

[Sc00ter]

Okay. I'm not sure those are really comparable events, though. I was thinking more of the kind of thing that people go to on their own dime, for fun.

Well, I didn't notice this year, but last year they offered continuing education credits for teachers.

[paperskater]

Oh PLEASE try to come! Honestly, the talent show needs you (trust me, look on the registration page, I'm the one next to paperskater...)


Hey, I didn't even notice that picture! Cool! Now I'm closer to being as famous as kitty!

[Sc00ter]

Hey, I didn't even notice that picture! Cool! Now I'm closer to being as famous as kitty!

Kitty who? whatnow?

[SkepticScott]

The World Boardgaming Championships costs $70 for 7 days, but there are no speakers, no food, no t-shirt, no A/V needs, and no registration packet. You get a badge, and the rooms are just set up as if for banquets and never changed. They also have about 1500 attendees and it's in Lancaster, PA, far from anything. That's the low end of the spectrum.

As KittyNH wrote, the food is the bulk of the cost.

[Sc00ter]

The World Boardgaming Championships costs $70 for 7 days, but there are no speakers, no food, no t-shirt, no A/V needs, and no registration packet. You get a badge, and the rooms are just set up as if for banquets and never changed. They also have about 1500 attendees and it's in Lancaster, PA, far from anything. That's the low end of the spectrum.

As KittyNH wrote, the food is the bulk of the cost.

Also, the SGU had one dinner last year that was in the same area, in one of the normal lunch buffet rooms, and I forgot what they charged, but it wasn't what I would call cheap, and I think they lost money :) But I think that had to do with Evan being bad at math.

[Hutch]

There are ways to save!

First of all: Apply for a scholarship. The worst that can happen is that you will be rejected. But, I doubt that will happen. You are most likely going to be worthy of it. (You don't need to book anything else until you are accepted.)

Second of all, you can save on the hotel by rooming with someone. (I, for one, don't have a roomate, yet, as I write this.)

So, that leaves the airfare and/or other methods of travel to get there. There are good deals to be discovered, if you dig into some of those discount travel sites they got on the Internet, these days. I wish I could be more specific, but that is beyond my area of expertise.

What Greenie said.

First is a scholarship, don't hesitate to try and get one.

Hotel sales are frequent, the last one had double rooms for 4 nights (Wed-Sun) that came up to a little over $200 total, or about $100 per person (hopefully there will be other sales like this). Even at the JREF rate, it would be about $200 per person for 2 people sharing, and less if you crowd a third in there.

Airfare is the costly one, especially from the East coast...be flexible what airport you can og out of, check kayak.com for a sampling of costs, and see from there.

Food is not cheap, but you get breakfast and lunch with Fri-Sat admittance and a Sunday breakfast, so about 1/2 your meals are covered.

The hotel has a shuttle bus to/from the airport, so you'd have to cultivate friends with cars to see anything of Vegas, but that is not impossible (and the Delmar bar can be a home away from home on a beer or two a night).

It's worth looking into.

[Horatius]

Food is not cheap, but you get breakfast and lunch with Fri-Sat admittance and a Sunday breakfast, so about 1/2 your meals are covered.




Also remember that the hotel had some 2-for-1 coupons for breakfast on days other than the TAM days, and we were able to exploit those for all they were worth. Buffet breakfast for about $4, IIRC. Get in line, and look for a Breakfast Buddy.

[strimmer]

TAM is expensive, but as previous posters have stated it is actually a deal for this kind of event. That said, I have gone since TAM 5 and have never been able to afford it. One year I did take a scholarship, and the other years what I couldn't pay, I charged. Attending TAM is well worth the every dime and I will go to every US TAM in the future, even if I can't afford to eat the month before.

[Paul C. Anagnostopoulos]

A word to the wise: Apply for a scholarship. Apply today. Apply now.

~~ Paul

[Wowbagger]

Actually, they are not calling them "scholarships", anymore. They are now called "Grants", so that it won't be confused with JREF's school scholarship program:

http://forums.randi.org/showthread.php?t=168516

But, you knew that already, Paul. Didn't you?

[MLynn]

I'm very frustrated. I've been wanting to go to TAM for years.

I know there's a scholarship. But I imagine there's much more deserving than me for it.

I just wish the rates were reasonable so an average Joe like me could come.

You shouldn't have to be wealthy to be a skeptic.
Apply for a scholarship (or whatever they are calling it this year). I went by partial scholarship to TAM6 and I think you should go for it. If you apply for what I did, Friday and Saturday ($300.00 both days) it would help you attend the main part of the conference. Arrive on Thursday and leave on Sunday if you have to. That's what I do to save some $$$ and attendees usually need roomies. You should go to TAM - obey the Whippet! :D

P.S. Thursday evening there is usually a welcome reception with some type of food. Breakfast and lunch is included in the conference price, so 2/3 of your food is covered.

[RecoveringYuppy]

If nothing else, I want to come perform in the talent show.

Do I recall correctly that there is a juggling workshop at this TAM? Perhaps you could volunteer for that to increase odds of a scholarship? Not sure if the awarders would consider that as criteria.

[thatguywhojuggles]

Do I recall correctly that there is a juggling workshop at this TAM? Perhaps you could volunteer for that to increase odds of a scholarship? Not sure if the awarders would consider that as criteria.

I would definitely be willing to help out in the workshop.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Do I recall correctly that there is a juggling workshop at this TAM? Perhaps you could volunteer for that to increase odds of a scholarship? Not sure if the awarders would consider that as criteria.
I would definitely be willing to help out in the workshop.
What a great idea! And if you enter the talent show, you'd be contributing in more than one way.

[ike42]

Yes, the talent show needs juggling! I was very surprised that there was no juggling in the talent show last year. I do a little juggling, so maybe I'm biased, but I think a good juggling act could be a highlight of the show.

[RecoveringYuppy]

I would definitely be willing to help out in the workshop.
Well damn, I thought I was just jerking your chain with false hope but there really is a juggling workshop!


http://www.randi.org/site/index.php/component/content/article/37-static/883-the-amazing-meeting-8-2010-workshops.html

[ve2vfd]

I would definitely be willing to help out in the workshop.

After seeing your video, I'd say you are definitely qualified to do so! (and I hope you do!)

Pat
(who is trying hard to trade shifts at work with other guys so he can make it to TAM)

[thatguywhojuggles]

I've submitted my "application" to the grant program. Wish me luck! :)

[Hamradioguy]

After seeing your video, I'd say you are definitely qualified to do so! (and I hope you do!)

Pat
(who is trying hard to trade shifts at work with other guys so he can make it to TAM)

Sure hope you can Pat-TAM is definitely worth it. And an "eyeball QSO" sure beats meeting on the air (Which we have yet to do....)

[MLynn]

I've submitted my "application" to the grant program. Wish me luck! :)
Thanks for obeying the Whippet - you'll never regret it! ;)

[Ziggy66]

I'm thinking of professional development conferences, mostly teaching ones, or ones related to the tech sector (my wife is a teacher, I work in IT). Anything multi-day with food gets into the same range. Of course, when it's like that the school district or company will pay.

I bet those professional development conferences are subsidized by some corporate sponsors maybe?

[Sc00ter]

I bet those professional development conferences are subsidized by some corporate sponsors maybe?

The teaching conferences my wife has gone to cost just as much as TAM, if not more. The few that I've gone to for tech related stuff, some were, other's were not.. The ones that were, while cheaper, were not nearly as good and had sponsor's ads plastered all over the freakin' place. Made it feel more like a sales opportunity than a learning conference. I don't think anybody wants that at TAM.

[Geek Goddess]

The technical conference I go to every year charges about $400-450 and provides no food other than a reception the first night that is subsidized by companies, and coffee during the breaks which are hosted by individual companies. Everything else is on your own. And they hold it in hotels that charge $200-$250 per night.

[Ziggy66]

One thing that should be said here is that everyone at the JREF involved in planning TAM do alot to keep the cost as low as they can. We're lucky to be at a relatively inexpensive, yet very nice hotel. If we were on the strip, with the room size we now require I'm sure it would be quite a bit more.

[Chris H]

If it makes you feel any better, I've already spent over $2000 to go to TAM this year. That only covers my flight and my registration. The accommodation, food and entertainment is in addition to that (Not to mention the cost of satisfying the forum posse with Tim Tams ;) ). I'm a student, and can't really afford to go, but I think it will be worth the debt. For what us internationals are paying, TAM really is super cheap for you guys in the US.

[SkepticScott]

[QUOTE=Chris H;5765189For what us internationals are paying, TAM really is super cheap for you guys in the US.[/QUOTE]I've been looking seriously at attending TAM Australia, so I know what the costs are like.

[HawaiiBigSis]

If it makes you feel any better, I've already spent over $2000 to go to TAM this year. That only covers my flight and my registration. The accommodation, food and entertainment is in addition to that (Not to mention the cost of satisfying the forum posse with Tim Tams ;) ). I'm a student, and can't really afford to go, but I think it will be worth the debt. For what us internationals are paying, TAM really is super cheap for you guys in the US.
Chris, no it doesn't really help me to know that others are spending more than I would...

Doesn't make me any less willing to consider paying the ridiculous amounts required however; but "consideration" is free!

[thatguywhojuggles]

I have fantastic news to share. I was awarded a scholarship and will be able to make it to TAM 8! I can't wait to meet all you folks! :)

[BrianEngler]

I have fantastic news to share. I was awarded a scholarship and will be able to make it to TAM 8! I can't wait to meet all you folks! :)
Excellent! Congrats.

[hcmom]

I have fantastic news to share. I was awarded a scholarship and will be able to make it to TAM 8! I can't wait to meet all you folks! :)

So the ruse worked, huh? :halo:

[The Central Scrutinizer]

I have fantastic news to share. I was awarded a scholarship and will be able to make it to TAM 8! I can't wait to meet all you folks! :)

Remember, there is no juggling allowed at TAM. They're a real stickler about that.

[HawaiiBigSis]

Remember, there is no juggling allowed at TAM. They're a real stickler about that.
I hope they make an exception for the workshop. I don't know how anybody could learn to juggle without actually, well, juggling.

[Dicon]

I hope they make an exception for the workshop. I don't know how anybody could learn to juggle without actually, well, juggling.


I think they use the Secret Guide to Juggling (tm). They spend the entirety of the workshop asking the universe to bestow them with juggling skills without the hassle of actually having to practice. By the time they get home from TAM they will be master jugglers.

[hcmom]

I think they use the Secret Guide to Juggling (tm). They spend the entirety of the workshop asking the universe to bestow them with juggling skills without the hassle of actually having to practice. By the time they get home from TAM they will be master jugglers.

Now I know what I've been doing wrong all this time, at least...

[Wowbagger]

If they ban juggling from TAM, I guess I would have to do my fire-twirling act, instead.

[cStyle]

If they ban juggling from TAM, I guess I would have to do my fire-twirling act, instead.

You can juggle, but you are limited to one thing in the air at a time. I think they also call it basketball...

[thatguywhojuggles]

Okay, I'm pretty gullible... Do they really ban juggling at TAM??

[Geek Goddess]

Okay, I'm pretty gullible... Do they really ban juggling at TAM??

hahah.

I have memories of Penn juggling in the open areas outside the meeting room.

[Cleon]

hahah.

I have memories of Penn juggling in the open areas outside the meeting room.

Yes, that was just before security intervened. IIRC, he must be under guard the next time he comes to South Point.

[Geek Goddess]

Yes, that was just before security intervened. IIRC, he must be under guard the next time he comes to South Point.

Was he using broken bottles again?

:)

[Wowbagger]

Okay, I'm pretty gullible... Do they really ban juggling at TAM??If it was still April 1st, I would have probably said "Yes, of course!".

[The Central Scrutinizer]

hahah.

I have memories of Penn juggling in the open areas outside the meeting room.

And he hasn't been back since!

[Dicon]

Was he using broken bottles again?

:)


No, he was juggling his two children and Randi.

[thatguywhojuggles]

I've been brainstorming all day about routine I want to put together for the talent show. I hope I get in. I haven't heard back from the organizer yet.

[Chicken Pot Pie]

I've been brainstorming all day about routine I want to put together for the talent show. I hope I get in. I haven't heard back from the organizer yet.

Don't feel bed yet, thatguywhojuggles.



I think they make the talent show cut in June. I am awaiting word on my grant, but being in the talent show last year was a highlight of my life. I hope to make the cut this year, have a great bit and volunteers to join me, yet, I'm on pins and needles regarding our grants.

I am a former clown but can only cascade. I was up to 24 passes with clubs before c6/c7 spinal fusion. And I miss it.

I applied for the talent show again this year. I REALLY want to make the cut this year because I have a fun idea!

Have fun planning your act, and I hope you make the cut!

[SkepticScott]

I think they use the Secret Guide to Juggling (tm). They spend the entirety of the workshop asking the universe to bestow them with juggling skills without the hassle of actually having to practice. By the time they get home from TAM they will be master jugglers.THe "Think System" for Juggling? Maybe. It worked for Harold Hill. :)

[HawaiiBigSis]

I've been brainstorming all day about routine I want to put together for the talent show. I hope I get in. I haven't heard back from the organizer yet.

Well, you could put together some kind of show with all the new jugglers hatched at the workshop...

If nothing else, they'll make you look absurdly outstanding in comparison. :D

(And yes, if I go to TAM, I'll want to take the workshop, so I'd volunteer to be an idiot in front of the crowd.)